Watch Out for Scams

Scammers have been impersonating Town of Riverhead departments.  They are out to steal your money and your identity. They send emails that appear very official, with what looks like the town seal and town letterhead. These emails even include the recipient’s personal information.  The resident is directed to pay (fraudulent) charges.   However, if you pay, the money actually goes to scammers—often overseas. These criminals use public records to make their messages look real and personal.

The Town of Riverhead is aware, and they have advised:

“We've received several emails from applicants who received invoices/emails from planning.townofriverheadny.gov@usa.com requesting payment to extend approvals/permits. This email did NOT generate from the Town of Riverhead (our domain is always @townofriverheadny.gov), so if you receive one, please mark as spam/junk and do not open any attachments.”

How I Handle Unknown Calls and Email

I usually don’t answer calls from numbers I don’t know. If I do pick up, I stay silent. Many spam systems hang up when they hear nothing. If it’s a real person, they’ll say hello. I only break this rule if I’m expecting an important call, such as one from a business or medical office.

I don’t reply or open unsolicited email attachments. I mark them as spam, block the sender, and delete the message.

Web Tips for Avoiding Scammers

• Be cautious with unexpected messages. Scammers pretend to be banks, government agencies, or even friends. If someone asks for personal info or payment, be suspicious.  Do not provide any information!

• Never share sensitive information. Real companies won’t ask for passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, or codes by email or phone.

• Verify before you act. Don’t click links or open attachments. Go to the official website yourself. For calls, hang up and call the official number.

• Look for red flags. Bad grammar, urgency, requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, and fake caller IDs are common scam signs.

• Use technology wisely. Turn on spam filters, block unwanted calls, keep devices updated, and use a password manager.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, pause, and check with a friend or family member.

A quick check can save you from losing money or personal information.